Solenoid valve and method for making same

ABSTRACT

A valve assembly includes a valve with a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, and defines all of the valve&#39;s inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. The valve may be connected to a manifold by press-fitting port nipples of the valve into corresponding channels in the manifold. The manifold is formed of a resilient, elastomeric material, and the port nipples include radial projecting barbs, which enable the valve to be fluidly-connected to the manifold without additional O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. Fittings with barbs can likewise be press-fit in other channels of the manifold to connect the valve assembly with fluid lines or other components in the fluid system. The fittings can also be provided unitary with the manifold, and/or adhesively attached to the manifold and/or to the fluid lines and other components.

RELATED CASES

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/800,555, for “Manifold for Valve Assembly” filed Mar. 7,2001, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/564,529, filed May 4, 2000, now U.S. Pat.No. 6,425,409, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to a valve assembly, and moreparticularly to a manifold for a valve assembly which allows easyattachment of a valve or other component of the assembly to the manifoldwithout O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A valve typically includes a plurality of ports through whichfluid is selectively passed to accomplish a desired flow path. Forexample, a three-way valve may include common port, a normally openport, and a normally closed port. When the valve is in an inactivatedstate, fluid enters the valve through the common port and exits throughthe normally open port. When the valve is in an activated state, fluidenters the valve through the common port and exits through the normallyclosed port.

[0004] A three-way valve may include a solenoid and a plunger that isused to shift the valve between its inactivated and activated states.Such a solenoid comprises components which generate and transmit amagnetic field. Specifically, a solenoid may include a solenoid coilwhich generates a magnetic field upon application of an electricalcurrent and this magnetic field is transmitted to a pole piece. Terminalpins are typically provided to selectively energize the solenoid coiland a flux conductor is typically provided to concentrate magnetic fluxin a desired manner.

[0005] A plunger commonly comprises a plunger body or armature whichdirects the flow through the valve in response to theenergization/deenergization of the solenoid.

[0006] A spring or other type of biasing assembly is typically providedto bias the plunger body towards a position whereat it seals off thepassageway to the normally closed port and not the normally open port.When the solenoid is energized, the plunger body is pulled towards thepole piece by the magnetic force (that overcomes the spring biasingforce) to a position whereat it seals off the passageway to the normallyopen port and not the normally closed port.

[0007] A three-way solenoid valve commonly includes a bobbin and one ormore valve body pieces which together define the ports and whichtogether provide a support structure for the solenoid and the plunger.The coupling of the bobbin and the valve body piece(s) together requiresseparate assembly steps and/or special coupling components. Moreover,the unions between the bobbin and the valve body piece(s) introduceleakage issues sometimes requiring separate inspection tests duringassembly of the valve.

[0008] Three-way valves are used for a wide variety of industrial,medical, and other types of analytical systems. Different types of valvemounting arrangements are often required depending on the particularsystem. For example, some applications require a manifold mountedarrangement and other applications require a printed circuit boardarrangement. Furthermore, different orientations of the valve ports areoften required in different plumbing settings. Additionally oralternatively, it is often necessary (or at least desirable) to have atwo dimensional array of valves mounted on the same manifold and/orprinted circuit board.

[0009] In many valve applications, dimensions are crucial and constantefforts are being made to reduce the size of valve assemblies. However,while size reduction is desirable, it often comes at the expense of morecomplicated assembly techniques and/or elevated manufacturing costs.Furthermore, the smallness of the bobbin and/or the valve body piece(s)tends to increase leakage issues during assembly due to, among otherthings, the tight tolerances involved. Additionally or alternatively,size reduction often results in the sacrifice of some desirablefeatures, such as adjustability of valve seat sealing characteristicsand/or electrical terminal options. Moreover, valve size reduction issometimes difficult to accomplish within reasonable economic ranges andthus such reduction is of little benefit in many cost-sensitive valvingsituations.

[0010] With manifold mounted arrangements, additional O-ring seals orother mechanical sealing devices (e.g., tube seals) can be required toprovide a fluid-tight seal between the valve and the manifold. Thesesealing devices can add expense, require complicated and expensivemanufacturing of the valve body to accommodate the seals, and/orincrease the assembly costs of the valve assembly. They can alsoincrease the size of the assembly to accommodate such seals.

[0011] Accordingly, the inventors appreciated that a need remains forcompact and versatile valve assemblies that may be made by simplifiedassembly techniques and within reasonable economic ranges, withoutsignificant leakage issues.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides a valve assembly that may bemanufactured and assembled in a relatively simplified and economicmanner. Additionally, the design of the valve assembly is such thatleakage issues are minimized and the valve may be used for a widevariety of industrial, medical and/or analytical systems withoutrequiring different valve constructions. Further, a preferred form ofthe valve allows for adjustment of valve seat sealing characteristics(by changing the biasing force on the spring) and/or is compatible withdifferent orientations of terminal pins. Still further, the valve can beeasily assembled with a manifold without additional O-ring seals orother mechanical sealing or attachment devices. The valve may beproduced in a very compact size thereby making it suitable forapplications requiring small scale valving apparatus. However, the valvedesign of the present invention has many features equally advantageousin larger scale valving apparatus and thus the valve could be made inwide variety of dimensions.

[0013] More particularly, the present invention provides a valvecomprising a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid, and a plunger. Thebobbin/valve body is formed in one piece and defines a common port, anormally closed port, a normally open port, a longitudinal bore, andrespective passageways between the longitudinal bore and the ports. Thebobbin/valve body provides the entire support structure for the solenoidand the plunger whereby assembly and inspection steps associated withjoining together separate bobbin and valve body piece(s) are eliminated.For this same reason, leakage issues may be significantly reduced.Additionally, the preferred bobbin/valve body may be made by economicmass manufacturing methods thereby further reducing manufacturing costs.Furthermore, a valve construction wherein a one-piece bobbin/valve bodydefines at least the normally open port (and not necessarily the commonport or the normally closed port) is believed to in and of itself reducethe size of the valve.

[0014] The bobbin/valve body preferably comprises an end portiondefining the normally open port, another end portion defining the commonand normally closed ports, and a cylindrical central portiontherebetween. The common port, the normally closed port, and thenormally open port are preferably aligned with each other in the axialdirection of the longitudinal bore thereby making the valve compatiblewith a variety of different mounting arrangements. For example, thevalve is especially suitable for manifold mounting, and to this end,radial projecting barbs are preferably provided on the port nipples toallow fluid-tight coupling to channels in the manifold. The valve isalso especially suitable for mounting on a printed circuit board and tothis end the exterior walls of the bobbin/valve body preferably includeslots, grooves, and/or recesses to accommodate appropriate mountingelements (e.g., mounting wires, screws, clips, etc.).

[0015] The plunger includes a plunger body which moves within thelongitudinal bore of the bobbin/valve body in response to theenergization/deenergization of the solenoid. Specifically, the plungerbody moves between a first position whereat the passageway to thenormally closed port is sealed and the passageway to the normally openport is open and a second position whereat the passageway to thenormally closed port is open and the passageway to the normally openport is sealed. In this manner, fluid flows through the common port tothe normally open port when the plunger body is in the first positionand through the common port to the normally closed port when the plungerbody is in the second position. Preferably, the plunger body is moved tothe second position upon energization of the solenoid.

[0016] The solenoid preferably includes a pole piece positioned withinthe longitudinal bore and the pole piece preferably defines a passagewayfrom the bobbin/valve body's passageway to the normally open port. Thispassageway extends through an opening in an axial end of the pole pieceand a valve seat surrounds this opening. Another valve seat (defined bythe bobbin/valve body) surrounds the passageway from the longitudinalbore to the normally closed port. The plunger body seals the body'svalve seat when in one of its first and second positions and seals thepole's valve seat when in the other position. Preferably, the plungerbody seals the body's valve seat when in its first position (when thesolenoid is deenergized) and seals the pole's valve seat when in itssecond position (when the solenoid is energized).

[0017] The plunger body and/or the bobbin/valve body preferably includeslongitudinal ribs that extend radially to define flow channels betweenthe plunger body and the bobbin/valve body. Preferably, the longitudinalbore of the bobbin/valve body includes a ribbed section including theribs and the passageway between the longitudinal bore and the commonport communicates with this ribbed section. The pole's passagewaypreferably includes a longitudinal passageway and a radial passageway.The longitudinal passageway extends from the valve seat to the radialpassageway and the radial passageway communicates with the bobbin/valvebody's passageway to the normally open port. Flow introduced through thecommon port passes through the relevant passageway to the longitudinalbore and into the rib-defined flow channel towards the pole's valveseat. When the solenoid is deenergized (or unenergized), and the plungerbody is in its first position, the pole's valve seat is open and thefluid flows through the pole's longitudinal and radial passageways tothe normally open port.

[0018] The passageway between the longitudinal bore and the normallyclosed port includes a cross-over passageway extending axially outwardfrom the body's valve seat and a passageway extending perpendicularlyfrom the cross-over passageway to the normally closed port. When thesolenoid is energized, and the plunger body is in its second position,the pole's valve seat is sealed and the body's valve seat is opened.Fluid thus passes from the longitudinal bore through the passageways tothe normally closed port. Upon deenergization of the solenoid, theplunger body is moved back to the first position whereby fluid flowsthrough the pole passageways to the normally open port.

[0019] The plunger preferably includes a spring that biases the plungerbody towards the normally closed valve seat (in the bobbin/valve body)and a spring retainer that holds the spring in the desired biasingrelationship. The spring is preferably a cylindrical spring thatcircumferentially surrounds the plunger body and the spring retainer ispreferably a ring-shaped member secured radially inward of the flowchannel-defining ribs. This arrangement of the spring relative to theplunger body allows a reduction in overall length of the valve whencompared to, for example, a valve design wherein a spring is positionedaxially in line with the plunger body. Also, this arrangement of thespring and spring retainer allows for adjustment of the valve seatsealing characteristics by adjusting the position of the spring retainerand thus the biasing force of the spring.

[0020] To assemble the valve according to the present invention, thebobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, preferably by an economic massmanufacturing process, such as injection molding. The plunger body isinserted through an end opening in the bobbin/valve body into thelongitudinal bore. The spring is situated around the plunger body andthe spring retainer is attached to the bobbin/valve body, preferably bypress-fitting, to hold the spring in the desired biasing position. Afterinsertion of the plunger components, the pole piece is inserted throughthe opening into the longitudinal bore and attached to the bobbin/valvebody. A solenoid coil is wound around the central cylindrical section ofthe bobbin/valve body and the terminal pins are attached to the body insuch a manner that they are in contact with the solenoid coil. A fluxconductor (preferably of a one-piece construction) is then attached tothe bobbin/valve body and the pole piece to complete the assembly of thevalve. Preferably, the attachment of the spring retainer, the polepiece, terminal pins and/or the flux conductor is accomplished by apress-fit coupling arrangement. Thus, no additional coupling components,materials and/or steps (e.g., welds, adhesives, etc.) are requiredthereby simplifying assembly techniques and reducing manufacturingcosts.

[0021] With particular reference to the terminal pins, the preferredattachment technique includes inserting sections of the pins throughopenings in the bobbin/valve body and placing end sections in contactwith the solenoid coil. The “non-inserted” sections of the pins may bebent into the desired orientation. In this manner, different types ofterminal pins may be incorporated into the valve and/or the sameterminal pins may be trimmed or otherwise bent to accommodate differentmounting arrangements.

[0022] It may be noted that one or more of the desired features of theinvention may be combined to create a valve of a desired construction.For example, a bobbin/valve body (one piece or otherwise) having a flatexterior mounting surface (except for the port nipples) is believed tobe advantageous in and of itself in view of its compatibility withdifferent manifold/board mounting arrangements. A valve constructionwherein the solenoid coil surrounds both the plunger body and the polepiece and/or a flux conductor which straddles an axial section of thebobbin/valve body including both the common port and the normally openport is beneficial in view of the potential for overall length-reductionof the valve. Furthermore, a valve incorporating the press-fitattachment of the terminal pins, and the ability to bend them toaccommodate different mounting arrangements, provides advantages with orwithout the other preferred features of the invention.

[0023] The manifold is also preferably formed in one piece, preferablyby an economic mass manufacturing process, such as injection molding.Appropriate fittings are then press-fit into the channels in themanifold to allow easy attachment to fluid lines, to adjacent manifolds,and/or to diverters or other components. The fittings have radialprojecting barb(s) which provide a fluid-tight seal with the resilientmanifold and with the fluid lines, etc., without the need for additionalO-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. Alternatively, thefittings can be provided integral (unitary) with the manifold, in whichcase the barbs are located only to provide a fluid tight seal with thefluid lines or other external components. As a still furtheralternative, or in addition, the fittings can be adhesively connected tothe manifold, to the fluid lines, and/or to other components in thefluid system.

[0024] The manifold has a generally flat exterior mounting surface withinlet, outlet and common channels opening at the surface. The portnipples of the valve are press-fit in the respective channels. Asindicated above, the port nipples have barbs which similarly provide afluid-tight seal with the resilient manifold without the need foradditional O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. The barbsprovide an interference fit with the respective channels to retain thevalve on the manifold without additional hold-down mechanisms orfasteners.

[0025] Thus, the present invention provides a compact and versatilevalve assembly that may be made by simplified assembly techniques andwithin reasonable economic ranges, without significantly increasingleakage issues. These and other features of the invention are fullydescribed and particularly pointed out in the claims. The followingdescription and drawings set forth in detail a certain illustrativeembodiment of the invention, these embodiments being indicative of butone of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may beemployed.

DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a side and perspective view of a valve according to thepresent invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a bottom and perspective view of the valve.

[0028]FIG. 3 is side view of the valve with certain interior componentsbeing shown in phantom.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a side view, partially in section, showing the valveinstalled on a manifold.

[0030]FIG. 5 is side view, partially in section, showing the valveinstalled on the manifold in another manner.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a side view, partially in section, showing the valveinstalled on another manifold.

[0032]FIG. 7 is enlarged sectional view of a portion of FIG. 6.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the valve installed on a printedcircuit board in a ports-up orientation.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the valve installed on a printedcircuit board or panel in a ports-to-the-side orientation.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a plurality of valves accordingto the present invention installed in an array arrangement on a printedcircuit board or panel in a ports-up orientation.

[0036]FIG. 11 is a side and perspective view of a bobbin/valve body ofthe valve.

[0037]FIG. 12 is sectional perspective view of the bobbin/valve body.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a top view of the bobbin/valve body.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a side view of the bobbin/valve body.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the bobbin/valve body.

[0041]FIG. 16 is an end view of the bobbin/valve body.

[0042]FIG. 17 is another end view of the bobbin/valve body.

[0043]FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the bobbin/valve body as seen fromline 18-18 in FIG. 17.

[0044]FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the bobbin/valve body as seen fromline 19-19 in FIG. 17.

[0045]FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the bobbin/valve body as seen fromline 20-20 in FIG. 14.

[0046]FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the bobbin/valve body as seen fromline 21-21 in FIG. 14.

[0047]FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the bobbin/valve body as seen fromline 22-22 in FIG. 16.

[0048]FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 but with terminal pinspartially assembled within the bobbin/valve body.

[0049]FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of a component of the valve'ssolenoid, namely a flux conductor.

[0050]FIG. 25 is a top view of the flux conductor.

[0051]FIG. 26 is a side view of the flux conductor.

[0052]FIG. 27 is an end view of the flux conductor.

[0053]FIG. 28 is an opposite end view of the flux conductor.

[0054]FIG. 29 is a side view of another component of the valve'ssolenoid, namely a pole piece.

[0055]FIG. 30 is an end view of the pole piece.

[0056]FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the pole piece as taken along lines31-31 in FIG. 30.

[0057]FIG. 32 is a enlarged portion of the sectional view of FIG. 31.

[0058]FIG. 33 is another enlarged portion of the sectional view of FIG.31.

[0059]FIG. 34 is perspective cross-sectional view of a component of theplunger, namely a plunger body without its elastomeric core.

[0060]FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger body with itselastomeric core.

[0061]FIG. 36 is a perspective side view of another component of theplunger device, namely a spring retainer.

[0062]FIG. 37 is an end view of the spring retainer.

[0063]FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the spring retainer as takenalong lines 38-38 in FIG. 37.

[0064]FIG. 39 is an axial cross-sectional view of the valve in adeenergized state.

[0065]FIG. 40 is a radial cross-sectional view of the valve taken alongline 40-40 in FIG. 3.

[0066]FIG. 41 is a radial cross-sectional view of the valve taken alongline 41-41 in FIG. 3.

[0067]FIG. 42 is a radial cross-sectional view of the valve taken alongline 42-42 in FIG. 3.

[0068]FIG. 43 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 39.

[0069]FIG. 44 is another enlarged portion FIG. 39.

[0070]FIG. 45 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of one type offitting for the manifolds illustrated in FIGS. 4-7.

[0071]FIG. 46 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of another typeof fitting for the manifolds illustrated in FIGS. 4-7.

[0072]FIG. 47 is a side view, in partial cross-section, of a stillfurther type of fitting for the manifolds illustrated in FIGS. 4-7.

[0073]FIG. 48 is an elevated perspective view, from one side, of anothertype of manifold useful for the valve.

[0074]FIG. 49 is an elevated perspective view, from another side, of themanifold of FIG. 48.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIGS.1-3, a valve 100 according to the present invention is shown. The valve100 includes a bobbin/valve body 200, a solenoid 300 and a plunger 400.The bobbin/valve body 200 defines a common port 202, a normally closedport 204 and a normally open port 206. The ports 202, 204, 206 projectaxially outwardly from one side of the body, in the same direction,parallel to one another. The valve components are configured so thatwhen the solenoid 300 is deenergized, fluid enters the valve 100 throughthe common port 202 and exits through the normally open port 206. Whenthe solenoid 300 is energized, fluid enters the valve 100 through thecommon port 202 and exits through the normally closed port 204.

[0076] The construction of the valve 100 is such that it may be producedin very a compact size within a reasonable economic range. For example,a prototype has been developed which has an approximately 22.86 mmlength, a 7.87 mm width, an 8.92 mm height (without port nipples) and a1.78 mm port nipple length and weighs in at less than 0.10 ounces.Significantly, this size reduction does not come at the expense of morecomplicated assembly techniques, increased leakage problems and/or thesacrifice of desirable features. In fact, as is explained in more detailbelow, the valve 100 may be manufactured and/or assembled in arelatively simplified manner and its construction is such that leakageissues are minimized. Also, the preferred form of the valve 100 allowsfor the selective adjustment of valve seat sealing characteristicsand/or the accommodation of different types of electrical connections.

[0077] Moreover, the valve 100 may be used for a wide variety ofindustrial, medical and analytical systems and does not requiredifferent valve constructions to accommodate these different mountingarrangements. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the valve 100 is particularlysuited for mounting on a resilient manifold 110 because of the axialalignment of the port nipples 202, 204 and 206. Port nipples 202, 204,206 each include radial, outwardly projecting annular barbs 208 for usein sealing the valve 100 to the manifold (see FIG. 7). Specifically, thebarbs 208 make it possible to mount the valve 100 with nose seals 112(FIG. 4), tube seals 114 (FIG. 5), or no seals (FIG. 6) with appropriatemanifold material. With reference particularly to FIGS. 6 and 7, theport nipples 202, 204, 206 can be press-fit into one end of channels217, 218 and 219, respectively, in the manifold, and fluidly-sealedtherein without the need for mechanical sealing devices. Channels 217,218 and 219 all open to the exterior, generally flat mounting surface221 of the manifold.

[0078] The port nipples 202, 204, 206 are made from a material such asplastic, generally harder than the manifold material, such that thebarbs grasp, preferably with an interference fit, the inside surface ofthe channels and retain the posts within the channels during operationof the valve. A fluid-tight seal is provided along essentially theentire nipple because of the resilient nature of the manifold. Noadditional hold-down mechanisms or fasteners are necessary to retain thevalve on the manifold, which reduces the complexity of the manufactureand assembly of the valve assembly. The valve can nevertheless be easilyremoved from the manifold, such as for inspection or replacement, merelyby grasping the valve and pulling the valve away from the manifold.

[0079] An appropriate manifold material is, for example, a compliant(resilient) elastomeric material such as polyurethane. An polyurethanesuitable for the manifold is available from Dow Plastics, under thetrade name/designation “Pellathane”, although of course, other suitableresilient materials could be used. The particular durometer (resiliency)of the manifold can be easily determined by one of ordinary skill in theart using simple experimentation.

[0080] Appropriate fittings, as at 440, can be press-fit into the otherend of channels 217, 218 and 219, respectively, of the manifold.Referring also to FIGS. 45-47, fittings 440 preferably include anannular body 442 having a central flow passage 444. The annular body 442has a first end 445 dimensioned to be closely received within arespective port 217-219 of the manifold. A central annular flange 446projects radially outward from the body 442 to serve as a stop when thefitting is inserted into the port. The fittings can have respective endswhich are identical, for connecting adjacent manifolds, diverters, fluidlines, etc., which have the same dimensions as the manifolds (FIGS. 45,46); or can have ends with different dimensions. FIG. 47 illustrates atapered end 447 for receipt of a smaller fluid line.

[0081] In any case, each end of the fitting includes one (FIGS. 45, 47)or more (FIG. 46) radial projecting annular barbs, as at 448. Forfittings having multiple barbs on each end, the barbs on each end canproject radially outward different amounts, with the barbs closer to thecentral flange 446 preferably projecting further outwardly than thebarbs spaced away from the annular flange. The barbs could also projectoutwardly different amounts on each end of the fitting.

[0082] The dimensions and locations of the barbs can be easilydetermined by those of ordinary skill in the art using simpleexperimentation, taking into account the resiliency of the component tobe connected to the fitting, and the anticipated pressures in thefitting during operation of the valve. While a sharp-edged barb ispreferred, other geometries on the fitting accomplishing the same resultcould be used rather than a barb.

[0083] The fittings 440 are made from a relatively hard material, suchas brass or plastic, such that the barbs grasp the channels in themanifold, without additional mechanical sealing devices, such as O-ringsor seal tubes. Again, a seal is provided along essentially the entirelength of the fitting because of the resilient nature of the manifold.While it is preferred that the fittings are closely (preferablypress-fit) received in the respective manifold or component, with thebarb(s) providing a fluid-tight seal without the need for any additionalmechanical seal, it is also anticipated that adhesive could be appliedaround the fitting to facilitate the fluid-tight connection with themanifold and/or the other components.

[0084] The manifold 110 can be easily fluidly connected with othermanifolds. To this end, referring to FIGS. 48 and 49, connectionchannels 451-453 can be provided which fluidly interconnect some or allof the channels 217-218 in each manifold with an adjacent manifold, orwith other manifolds in the manifold array. One useful feature of usinga material such as polyurethane for the manifold is that it isrelatively easy and inexpensive to form flow channels through themanifold. Some or all of the connection channels 451-453 can intersectthe channels 217-219 in the manifold, and can be located to interconnectwith corresponding connection channels in adjacent manifolds. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, connection channel 451interconnects with channel 217; connection channel 452 interconnectswith channel 218; and connection channel 453 interconnects with channel219. It is also possible that one or more connection channels, such asconnection channels 454, 455, can extend through the manifold forconnection to adjacent manifolds or to external components, withoutintersecting channels 217-219. Connection channel 455 is shown asextending from the front end to the rear end of the manifold, whilechannel 454 is shown extending from side-to-side.

[0085] As also shown in FIGS. 48 and 49, the fittings 440 canalternatively be formed integrally, and preferably unitarily (in onepiece) with the manifold 110. In this aspect, the fitting endsprojecting out of the manifold can have one (or more) barbs as describedabove with respect to FIGS. 45-46 to enable fluid-tight connection witha fluid line or other component. Alternatively, as illustrated, theprojecting ends of the fittings 440 can be smooth, and permanentlyconnected to the external component using, for example, adhesive. Theadhesive-only connection can be used to connect the fittings to themanifold as well.

[0086] The fittings 440 in FIGS. 48 and 49 are shown with connectionchannels 450 for interconnecting adjacent manifolds. One end of eachconnection channel 450 opens to one side of the manifold and includefittings 440 (see e.g., FIG. 48); while the other end of each connectionchannel opens to the other side of the manifold and includes openingsdimensioned to receive fittings 440 (see, e.g., FIG. 49). Of course, thefittings and openings can be located on either side (and on any end),depending upon the particular application.

[0087] While the manifolds have been described above as being useful forconnection of a valve, it is possible that the manifold could be used ina fluid system without such a valve. Another component of the fluidsystem could be mounted on the manifold, if the component is to befluidly-connected within the system; or alternatively, the manifoldcould be a diverter and merely distribute fluid to one or more adjacentmanifolds.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 8-10, the valve 100 is also particularlysuited for mounting on a printed circuit board or panel 150.Particularly, the valve 100 may be mounted in a “ports-up” orientationas shown in FIG. 8 and secured in position relative to the board by aC-shaped mounting wire 152. Alternatively, the valve 100 may be mountedin a “ports-to-the-side” orientation as shown in FIG. 9 and secured inposition by a cross-wire 154 with a termination connector 156.Additionally, a plurality of the valves 100 may be arranged in atwo-dimensional array on the board 150 as shown in FIG. 10 and securedin position by screws 160.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 11-22, the bobbin/valve body 200 is shownisolated from the other components of the valve 100. The bobbin/valvebody 200 is formed in one piece (preferably as a unitary molded part)and provides the entire support structure for the solenoid 300 and theplunger 400. Also, as was indicated above, the body 200 defines thecommon port 202, the normally closed port 204, and the normally openport 206. The one piece construction of the bobbin/valve body 200eliminates the assembly and inspection steps associated with joiningtogether separate bobbin and valve body piece(s). For this same reason,leakage issues may be significantly reduced when compared to, forexample, a valve design including separate bobbin and valve bodypiece(s). The bobbin/valve body 200 may be made by economic massmanufacturing methods, such a injection molding, thereby furtherreducing manufacturing costs. The bobbin/valve body 200 includes an endblock portion 210 defining the normally open port 206, an end blockportion 212 defining the common and normally closed ports 202 and 204,and a central cylindrical portion 214 therebetween.

[0090] The end portion 210 includes a top wall 210 a, side walls 210 b,a bottom wall 210 c, and end walls 210 d and 210 e which together form aroughly rectangular prism shape. The normally open port nipple 206extends perpendicularly outwardly from the bottom wall 210 c (FIGS.14-17) whereby the end block portion 210 may be referred to as theone-port end portion of the bobbin/valve body 200. The end portion 210further includes a shelf 210 f extending outwardly from its bottom wall210 c and perpendicularly from its end wall 210 d (FIGS. 13-17.) The endblock portion 212 has a top wall 212 a, a bottom wall 212 c, side walls212 b, and end walls 212 d and 212 e (FIGS. 13-17) forming anessentially cubical shape except for its concavely curved outer corners(FIGS. 13 and 15). The central portion 214 extends centrally between theend walls 210 e and 212 e and includes an outer cylindrical wall 214 athat defines, in conjunction with the end walls 210 d and 212 d, anannular cavity 216 (see FIGS. 13-15).

[0091] The bottom walls 210 c and 212 c define a flat bottom surface ofthe bobbin/valve body 200, except for the port nipples extendingperpendicular therefrom (see FIGS. 14, 15 and 16). These bottom walls210 c and 212 c also define an outer surface of the finished valve 100(FIGS. 2 and 3) whereby the valve 100 includes a flat bottom surface.This construction makes this port-side surface of the valve 100 and thebobbin/valve body 200 suitable for flush mounting against a flushsurface, such as a manifold or PC board.

[0092] The top wall 210 a of the end portion 210 includes a trapezoidal(with rounded slanted sides) platform 220 and a linear platform 222defining a linear groove 224 and a pair of semi-circular recesses 226(see FIG. 13). The side walls 222 each include a semi-cylindrical slot228 extending from the respective semi-circular recess 226 on the topwall 210 a to a respective semi-circular recess 230 on the bottom wall210 c. (FIGS. 13 and 14.) The end wall 210 d includes a centrallylocated opening 232 into the interior of the body 200 (FIG. 16). Theother end wall 210 e (not shown in detail) forms the union between theportions 210 and 214. The shelf 210 e includes a pair of rectangularslots 234 extending from its top edge to its bottom edge (FIGS. 13 and15), a window 236 extending between the slots 234 (FIG. 16), andrectangular recesses 237 formed on the top surface of its outer corners(FIGS. 13, 14 and 15).

[0093] The top wall 212 a of the end portion 212 includes a rectangularwindow 238 surrounded by a C-shaped ledge 240 and a square dish 242 (seeFIG. 13). The bottom wall 212 b includes a trapezoidal (with roundedcorners) pedestal 248 surrounding the common port 202 and a rectangularpedestal 250 surrounding the normally closed port 204 which form alinear path 252 and semi-circular recesses 254 (see FIG. 15). The sidewalls 212 c each include a square window 244 and a semi-cylindrical slot246 (see FIG. 14). The end wall 212 d includes a circular bump 256 andthe end wall 212 e essentially forms a union between the portions 212and 214 (see FIG. 17).

[0094] The exterior profile of the bobbin/valve body 200 is adapted toaccommodate the different mounting arrangements of the valve 100. Thesemi-cylindrical slots 228 and 246 on the side walls 210 b and 212 cform a channel for the C-shaped mounting wire 152 when the valve 100 ismounted port-side-up on a PC board or panel as is shown in FIG. 8. Thelinear groove 224 on the top wall 210 a and the linear groove 252 on thebottom wall 212 c cradle the cross-wire 154 when the valve 100 is sidemounted to a PC board as is shown in FIG. 9. When valve assemblies 100are placed side-by-side as shown in FIG. 10, the adjacent slots 228 and246 form cylindrical receptacles for the shafts of the screws 156 andthe adjacent recesses 230 and 254 form circular rests for the screwheads. Also, adjacent shelf recesses 237 form a mounting flange forclips (not shown) used to secure the valve assemblies 100 to the board.

[0095] As is explained in more detail below, the exterior profile of thebody 200 is also adapted to accommodate the manufacturing and/orassembly of the valve 100. However, it may be noted that the square dish242 and the circular bump 256 are included to accommodate the moldingprocess of the bobbin/valve body 200 and do not play a functional rolein the finished valve 100. That being said, the square dish 242 doesprovide a convenient location for placement of a manufacturer'sidentification and/or a valve classification.

[0096] The interior of the bobbin/valve body 200 is best explained byreferring to FIGS. 18-22. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the portions 210,212 and 214 include interiors walls that together define an interiorlongitudinal bore 260 extending from the opening 232 in the end portion210, coaxially through the cylindrical portion 214, and into (but notthrough) the end portion 212 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). The bore 260 may beviewed as including a series of longitudinal sections, namely a widenedsection 262, an unribbed section 264, and a ribbed section 266. Thewidened section 262 extends inwardly from the opening 232 in the endwall 210 a of the end portion 210. The unribbed section 264 extends fromthe outlet section 262 through the cylindrical central portion 214 anddefines a generally smooth or unribbed surface (see FIG. 20). The ribbedsection 266 extends from the unribbed section 264 to the bore's axialend and includes a series of radial ribs 268 (five in the illustratedembodiment) (see FIG. 21).

[0097] The portions 210 and 212 include other interior walls that definefluid passageways. Specifically, the end block portion 210 defines anormally open passageway 276 radially extending from the widened outletbore section 262 to the normally open port 206 (see FIG. 18). The endblock portion 212 defines a common passageway 278 extending radiallybetween the common port 202 and the ribbed plunger section 266, across-over passageway 280 extending axially from the end of the plungersection 266, and a normally closed passageway 282 extending radiallybetween the end of the crossover passageway 280 and the normally closedport 204 (see FIGS. 18 and 21). A valve seat 284 is defined by thetwo-port end portion 212 at the axial end of the bore, this valve seat284 surrounding the inlet to the cross-over passageway 280 (see FIGS. 18and 19).

[0098] The one-port end portion 210 further defines capture receptaclesfor components of the solenoid 300 (namely terminal pins 306, introducedbelow). Specifically, interior walls within the shelf 210 f define acavity 286 extending inward from the shelf's window 236 and ledges 288and 290 positioned within the cavity 286 (see FIG. 22). The ledges 288are respectively positioned laterally outward from the slots 234 and theledge 290 is positioned between the slots 234 (see FIG. 20). The endportion 210 further defines a pair of post inlet channels 292 andcapture channels 294 (see FIGS. 19 and 22). The inlet channels 292extend axially inward from the cavity 286 on either side of the normallyopen port 206 and the capture channels 294 extend axially inward andthrough openings 296 in the end wall 210 e. The end wall 210 e furtherincludes grooves 298 extending laterally outward from the openings 294(see FIG. 20).

[0099] The solenoid 300 includes a coil 302, terminal pins 304, a fluxconductor 306, and a pole piece 308. The terminal pins 304 areillustrated in detail in FIG. 23 as they are being assembled to thebobbin/valve body 200. As shown, each of the pins 304 includes a postsection 310, a stepped section 312, a ridged section 314 and a contactsection 316. In the stage of assembly shown, the top post sections 310extend outwardly from the window 286 of the body 200 prior to be bentinto the desired orientation. The stepped sections 312 rest between theledges 288 and 290 and extends into the inlet channels 292. The ridgedsections 314 are captured within the channels 294 and the contactsections 316 extend through the openings 296 in the end wall 210 e.

[0100] The contact sections 316 are perpendicularly bent into thegrooves 298 to secure the terminal pins 304 to the bobbin/valve body 200and to place the sections 316 in a contacting position with the solenoidcoil 302 (see FIG. 3). The post sections 310 may be perpendicularly bentinto an upstanding orientation such as is shown in FIGS. 1-3.Alternatively, the post sections 310 may be trimmed and/or otherwisebent to accommodate particular mounting arrangements. To this end, thepost sections 310 preferably include a neck 318 (see FIG. 3) which maybe used during this bending and breaking.

[0101] Once the terminal pins 304 have been fully assembled in thedesired manner relative to the bobbin/valve body 200, it may be notedthat windows or openings are created within the slots 234. Electricalposts (not shown) may be inserted through these openings to be inelectrical contact with the terminal pins 304. This type of arrangementwould be very advantageous for a “ports-down” a PC board mountingarrangement wherein the electrical posts could double both as themounting components and as part of the electrical circuitry.

[0102] The flux conductor 306 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 24-28and, as shown, has a single piece or unitary construction with a roughlysideways C-shape (see FIG. 26). The conductor 306 comprises a topsection 320, an end section 322, and another end section 324 (see FIGS.24, 25 and 26). The top section 320 is approximately rectangular inshape except for concavely curved corners 326 and stepped corners 328(see FIG. 25). The end section 322 is in the shape of a bridge having asubstantially semicircular opening 330 and steps or ridges 332 on itsouter side surface (see FIGS. 24, 26 and 27). The end section 324 isalso in the shape of a bridge having a substantially semicircularopening 334 (see FIG. 28).

[0103] The pole piece 308 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 29-33 and,as shown, comprises a generally cylindrical member having axial ends 350and 352 (see FIGS. 29-31). The axial end 350 has flat profile and theother axial end 352 has a conical profile (see FIGS. 29 and 31). Thepole piece 308 includes two annular flanges 354 and 356 which may beviewed as forming longitudinal surface sections 358, 360 and 362. Theannular flange 354 includes an inclined annular tab 364 and the annularflange 356 includes an annular tab 366 (see FIGS. 31-33). A radialpassageway 368 extends transversely through the longitudinal section 358and a longitudinal passageway 370 extends axially from the center of thepassageway 368 to the pole's axial end 352 (see FIGS. 29 and 31). Avalve seat 372 is formed about the end of the passageway 370 on the end352 (see FIG. 29).

[0104] The plunger 400 includes a plunger body 402, a spring retainer404 and a biasing spring 406. The plunger body 402 is illustrated indetail in FIGS. 34 and 35 and, as shown, comprises a generallycylindrical member 408 and an elastomeric core 410. The cylindricalmember 408 has axial ends 412 and 414 and a stepped outer surfaceforming longitudinal sections 416 and 418 (see FIG. 34). The axial end412 has a flat contour and the axial end 414 has an inwardly funneledcontour. The member 408 includes a hollow roughly barbell-shaped core420 extending between its axial ends 412 and 414.

[0105] The profile of the hollow core 420 adjacent the end 412 is astepped profile and the profile of the core 416 adjacent the end 414 isa half-octagonal profile, in section (see FIG. 34). The elastomeric core410 is positioned within the core 420 of the cylindrical member 408 andthus has a complimentary contour. Specifically, one axial end 422 has astepped profile and the other axial end 424 has a half-octagonalprofile, in section (see FIG. 35). It may be noted that the illustratedoverall barbell-shape of the elastomeric core 410, and/or the shape ofits axial ends 422 and 424, are preferred for the purposes ofmanufacturing. From a functional point of view, any sealing suitablesurface (such as rubber disks) on the axial ends of the plunger body 408would be sufficient.

[0106] The spring retainer 404 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 36-38and, as shown, comprises a ring-shaped member 430 having a beaded rib432 projecting radially from its outer surface.

[0107] Cross-sectional views of the assembled valve 100 in a deenergizedstate are shown in FIGS. 39-42. In the assembled valve 100, the coil 302is wound around the central cylindrical portion 214 of the bobbin/valvebody 200 within the annular cavity 216 (see FIGS. 39 and 40, cavity 216shown and numbered in FIGS. 13-15). The terminal pins 304 extendperpendicularly upward from the shelf 210 f and their contact sections316 are in electrical contact with the ends of the solenoid coil 302(see FIG. 39, contact sections 316 shown and numbered in FIG. 23).

[0108] The flux conductor 306 straddles the central cylindrical portion214 and the end portion 210 of the bobbin/valve body 200 therebystraddling sections of the bobbin/valve body 200 containing the commonport 202 and the normally open port 206. Specifically, the fluxconductor's end section 320 is positioned within the cavity connectingthe top rectangular window 238 and the side square windows 244 of theend block section 210 and its bridge opening 330 is swage-coupled ontointerior walls defining the body's longitudinal bore 260 (see FIG. 39,cavity shown in FIG. 12, windows shown/numbered in FIGS. 13 and 14,bridge opening shown and numbered in FIG. 27). The flux conductor's topsection 322 extends over the top of the coil 302 and over the top wallof the end block portion 210 (see FIGS. 39-42). The flux conductor's endsection 322 extends over the end wall of the block portion 210 and itsbridge opening 334 is swage-coupled to the axial end 350 of the polepiece 308 (see FIG. 39, bridge opening shown and numbered in FIG. 28).

[0109] The pole piece 308 is positioned within the longitudinal bore 260of the bobbin/valve body 200 (see FIG. 39). The pole's axial end 350 andits longitudinal section 358 extends through the opening 232 in the endwall of the block end portion 210 (see FIG. 39, pole end and sectionshown/numbered in FIGS. 29-31, block end opening shown/numbered in FIG.16.) The annular flange 354 and the longitudinal section 360 arepositioned within the bore's widened outlet section 262, with the radialpassageway 368 communicated with the normally open passageway 276 (seeFIG. 39, pole's flange and sections shown/numbered in FIGS. 29 and 31).The widened section 262 of the bore 260 and the flanges 354 and 356 forman annular passageway between the pole's radial passageway 268 and thenormally open passageway 276 (see FIG. 39, bore section numbered inFIGS. 18 and 19, pole flanges 354 and 356 numbered in FIGS. 29 and 31).

[0110] The pole's annular flange 356, its longitudinal section 362 andits axial end 352 are positioned within the bore's unribbed section 364(see FIG. 39, pole's flange, section and end shown/numbered in FIGS. 29and 31). The pole's annular tabs 364 and 366 mate with interior wallsdefining the bore 260 of the bobbin/valve body 200 in press-fit fashion(see FIGS. 43 and 44). The sealing between the bobbin/valve body 200 andthe pole's flanges 354 and 356 and its longitudinal section 362 is suchthat fluid is prevented from leaking around the pole piece 308. In thismanner, a fluid-tight seal is created between the bobbin/valve body 200and the pole piece 308 without the need for additional couplingelements, such as welds, adhesives, sealing rings, etc.

[0111] The plunger body 402 is positioned within the longitudinal bore260 of the bobbin/valve body 200 (see FIGS. 39-42). More particularly,the plunger body 402 is positioned primarily within the bore's ribbedsection 266 with its funneled axial end 414 positioned within theunribbed section 264 (see FIGS. 39-42, bore's sections numbered in FIGS.18 and 19, plunger's axial end numbered in FIGS. 29 and 31). In theillustrated deenergized state of the valve 100, the spring 406 biasesthe plunger's flat axial end 350 is positioned adjacent the valve seat284 with the axial end 424 of the elastomeric core 410 being seatedthere against (see FIG. 39). The plunger's funneled axial end 414 ispositioned in a complimentary but spaced arrangement with the pole'sconical axial end 352 (see FIG. 39, plunger's axial end numbered inFIGS. 34 and 35, pole's axial end numbered in FIGS. 29 and 31).

[0112] The plunger's widened section 408 is movably positioned withinthe ribs 268 of the bobbin/valve body's bore 260 (see FIGS. 41 and 42,plunger section numbered in FIGS. 34 and 35, ribs 268 also numbered inFIGS. 18 and 19). The spring retainer 404 is fixedly (but adjustably)positioned at the end of the ribbed section 266 and the retainer'sbeaded rib tab 432 is mated with the groove in the bore in a press-fitfashion (see FIG. 41, ribbed section numbered in FIGS. 18 and 19,retainer tab numbered in FIGS. 36-38). The spring 406 is a cylindricalspring coiling around the plunger body 402 and more particularly withinan annular chamber defined by the ribs 268, the plunger's widenedsection 408, and the spring retainer 404 (see FIGS. 39, 41 and 42, ribsnumbered in FIGS. 18 and 19, plunger section numbered in FIGS. 29-31).This wrapped arrangement of the spring 406 relative to the plunger body402 contributes to a reduction in overall axial length of the valve 100when compared to, for example, a valve design wherein a spring ispositioned axially adjacent a plunger body.

[0113] In the illustrated deenergized state of the valve assembly 100,the spring 406 biases the plunger body 402 towards the cross-overpassageway 280 so that, as was indicated above, the axial end 422 of theelastomeric core 410 is seated against the valve seat 284 (see FIG. 39).This seating seals the cross-over passageway 280 and thus the normallyclosed passageway 282. During operation of the valve 100 in thedeenergized state, fluid flows through the common port/passageway202/278 and through the annular flow passages between the ribs 268towards the pole piece 308. It may be noted that, although the ribs 268are integral with the bobbin/valve body 200 in the illustratedembodiment, similar annular flow passages could instead be created by aribbed or fluted plunger body 402.

[0114] Because of the spaced arrangement between the pole piece 308 andthe plunger body 402, the fluid then flows into the funneled opening inthe plunger body 402, through the pole piece's longitudinal passageway370 to the pole piece's radial passageway 368, through the annularpassageway (defined by the bore's widened section 262 and the polepiece's flanges 354 and 356) and out through the normally openpassageway/port 276/206.

[0115] To energize the valve 100, electrical current is applied to theterminals to generate a magnetic field in the coil 302. The fluxconductor 306 concentrates the magnetic field in a desired manner andthe field is transmitted to the pole piece 308. The magnetic force ofthe pole piece 308 overcomes the biasing force of the spring 406 and theplunger body 402 is moved towards the pole piece 308. This movement ofthe plunger body 402 results in the axial end 422 of the elastomericcore 410 being moved away from the valve seat 284 and the insert's axialend 424 being seated against the pole piece's valve seat 372. In thismanner, the longitudinal passageway 370 of the pole piece 308 is sealedthereby blocking the flow passageways to the normally openpassageway/port 276/206. During operation of the valve 100 in theenergized state, fluid flows through the common port/passageway 202/278and through the annular flow passages between the ribs 268 towards thepole piece 308, but is blocked from entering the pole piece 308. Fluidinstead flows through now unblocked cross-over passageway 280 to thenormally closed passageway/port 282/204.

[0116] To assemble the valve 100, the plunger body 402 is first insertedinto the longitudinal bore 260 of the bobbin/valve body 200 through theend opening 232 in the end block portion 210. The spring 406 may bepositioned around the plunger body 402 during this insertion or laterinserted into the bore 260 and around the plunger body 402. The springretainer 404 is then inserted into the bore 260 and into a fixedposition by the press-fit mating of its bead 432 with the flow ribs.

[0117] It may be noted that the biasing force placed on the plunger body402 may be selectively adjusted by varying the depth of the retainer 404relative to the bobbin/valve body 200. Alternatively, the axial lengthof the spring retainer 404 may be varied to adjust the biasing force.Another option contemplated by the present invention is a springretainer that is permanently fixed to the bobbin/valve body 200.Moreover, a “retainerless” design may instead be used wherein the spring406 is captured within pockets in the plunger body 402. It may be noted,however, that the latter two options may limit spring adjustabilityoptions.

[0118] The pole piece 308 is next inserted through the end opening 232into the longitudinal bore 260 and press-fit into position by thepress-fit mating of the barbed ribs 354 and 356 (see FIGS. 43 and 44).Significantly, this assembly of the pole piece 308 requires noadditional coupling components thereby simplifying manufacturingtechniques and/or reducing cost considerations.

[0119] Before or after the insertion of the pole piece 308 and theplunger components 402, 404 and 406, the coil 302 is wound about thecentral cylindrical section 214 of the bobbin/valve body 200 and theterminal pins 306 are secured to the body 200 in the manner describedabove during the discussion of FIG. 23. As was explained above, thebobbin/valve body 200 is compatible with a variety of different terminalarrangements thereby decreasing manufacturing efforts and/or expenses byway of reduced inventory requirements.

[0120] After the coil 302 has been assembled, the flux conductor 304 iscoupled to the bobbin/valve body 200. Specifically, the conductor's endsection 320 is inserted through the top rectangular window 238 and intothe cavity between this window and the side square windows 244. Thebridge opening 330 fits over the curved interior walls of the end blockportion 212 defining the body's longitudinal bore 260 and a suitableswage tool may be inserted through the side windows 244 to interact withthe ridges 322 to lock the conductor 304 in position (see FIG. 39,cavity shown in FIG. 12, windows shown and numbered in FIGS. 13 and 14,bridge opening shown/numbered in FIG. 27). The flux conductor's otherend section 322, and particularly its bridge opening 334 is swaged overthe pole piece's axial end 350 thereby coupling the flux conductor 304to the bobbin/valve body 200 (see FIG. 39, bridge opening shown/numberin FIG. 28). It may noted that the preferred one piece construction ofthe flux conductor 304 makes it suitable for extremely economicmanufacturing techniques, such as stamping. Moreover, by swage-couplingof the flux conductor 304 to the bobbin/valve body 200 and/or the polepiece 350 allows assembly without the need for additional coupling stepsor components, such as welding.

[0121] One may now appreciate that the valve 100 that may bemanufactured and/or assembled in a relatively simplified manner, withinreasonable economic ranges, and with a minimization of leakage issues.Moreover, the valve 100 may be used for a wide variety of industrial,medical and/or analytical systems and does not require different valveconstructions to accommodate these different mounting arrangements.While the valve 100 may be produced in a very compact size, it has manyfeatures that would be equally advantageous in large valve sizes.Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to acertain preferred embodiment, it is obvious that equivalent and obviousalterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the artupon the reading and understanding of this specification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve comprising a bobbin/valve body, asolenoid, and a plunger; the bobbin/valve body defining a plurality ofports, a longitudinal bore, and respective passageways between thelongitudinal bore and the ports; the plurality of ports including afirst port and a second port which both extend radially outward from thelongitudinal bore in the same direction; the bobbin valve having acentral section at least partially defining the longitudinal bore; theplunger including a plunger body which moves within the bore in responseto energization/deenergization of the solenoid to convert the valvebetween an open condition and a closed condition; the solenoid includinga pole piece positioned within the longitudinal bore and a solenoid coilwound around the central section of the bobbin/valve body; and thesolenoid coil surrounding both the plunger body and the pole piece for amajority of their axial length.
 2. A valve as set forth in claim 1,wherein the bobbin/valve body is formed unitary in one piece.
 3. A valveas set forth in claim 2, wherein the central section of the bobbin/valvebody is an elongated section.
 4. A valve as set forth in claim 1,wherein the central section of the bobbin/valve body is an elongatedsection.
 5. A valve as set forth in claim 1, wherein the pole piece ispress-fit coupled to the bobbin/valve body such that a fluid-tight sealis provided between the pole piece and the bobbin/valve body withoutadditional mechanical coupling elements.
 6. A valve as in claim 5,wherein the pole piece includes an inclined annular tab which mates withinterior walls defining the longitudinal bore of the bobbin/valve bodyin press-fit fashion.
 7. A valve as in claim 6, wherein the pole pieceincludes an annular flange, and the inclined annular tab is located on aradially outer surface of the annular flange.
 8. A valve as in claim 5,wherein the pole piece includes a pair of annular flanges, defining alongitudinal surface section therebetween, and each of which includes aninclined annular tab which mates with interior walls defining thelongitudinal bore of the bobbin/valve body in press-fit fashion.
 9. Avalve as in claim 5, and further including a flux conductor magneticallycoupling the bobbin/valve body to the pole piece, the flux conductorhaving a top portion and a pair of end portions, formed unitary withsaid top portion, with one of said end portions coupled to thebobbin/valve body, and the other of said end portions swage coupled to adistal end of the pole piece.
 10. A valve as in claim 1, and furtherincluding a flux conductor magnetically coupling the bobbin/valve bodyto the pole piece, the flux conductor having a top portion and a pair ofend portions, formed unitary with said top portion, with one of said endportions coupled to the bobbin/valve body, and the other of said endportions swage coupled to a distal end of the pole piece.
 11. A valve asin claim 10, wherein said one end portion of the flux conductor is alsoswage-coupled to said bobbin/valve body.
 12. A valve as in claim 1,wherein the bobbin/valve body includes a ribbed section in whichlongitudinal ribs extend radially inward from the bobbin/valve body intothe longitudinal bore, the ribs defining flow channels between thebobbin/valve body and the plunger body.
 13. A valve as in claim 12,wherein a passageway extends between one of the ports and the ribbedsection of the longitudinal bore, whereby fluid flows from said one portto the longitudinal bore and into the flow channels defined by the ribsbetween the plunger body and the bobbin/valve body.
 14. A valve as inclaim 1, wherein the plunger additionally comprises a spring whichbiases the plunger body way from the pole piece and against a valveseat, and a spring retainer held by press-fit in the bobbin/valve bodywhich holds the spring in a desired biasing position.
 15. A valve as inclaim 1, further including terminal pins electrically coupled to thesolenoid coil and supported by the bobbin/valve body, each of theterminal pins including an external post section, a stepped sectionsupported by the bobbin/valve body, and a contact section bent intoengagement with the bobbin/valve body to retain the terminal pins withinthe bobbin/valve body.
 16. A valve comprising a bobbin/valve body, asolenoid, and a plunger, wherein: the bobbin/valve body is formed in onepiece and defines a plurality of ports, a longitudinal bore, andrespective passageways between the longitudinal bore and the ports; theplurality of ports including a first port and a second port which bothextend radially outward from the longitudinal bore in the samedirection; the bobbin/valve having a central section at least partiallydefining the longitudinal bore; the solenoid being selectivelyenergizable to produce a magnetic field and including a coil wrappedaround the central section of the bobbin/valve body; the plungerincludes a plunger body which moves within the bore in response toenergization/deenergization of the solenoid between a first positionwhereat the passageway to the first port is sealed from the longitudinalbore and a second position whereat the passageway to the first portioncommunicates with the longitudinal bore.
 17. A valve as set forth inclaim 16, wherein the central section of the bobbin/valve body is anelongated section.
 18. A valve as in claim 16, wherein the bobbin/valvebody includes a ribbed section in which longitudinal ribs extendradially inward from the bobbin/valve body into the longitudinal bore,the ribs defining flow channels between the bobbin/valve body and theplunger body.
 19. A valve as in claim 18, wherein a passageway extendsbetween one of the ports and the ribbed section of the longitudinalbore, whereby fluid flows from said one port to the longitudinal boreand into the flow channels defined by the ribs between the plunger bodyand the bobbin/valve body.
 20. A valve as in claim 16, wherein theplunger additionally comprises a spring which biases the plunger bodyway from the pole piece and against a valve seat, and a spring retainerheld by press-fit in the bobbin/valve body which holds the spring in adesired biasing position.
 21. A valve as in claim 16, further includingterminal pins electrically coupled to the solenoid coil and supported bythe bobbin/valve body, each of the terminal pins including an externalpost section, a stepped section supported by the bobbin/valve body, anda contact section bent into engagement with the bobbin/valve body toretain the terminal pins within the bobbin/valve body.
 22. A method ofmaking a valve comprising the steps of: forming a bobbin/valve body,unitary, in one piece, including ports, a longitudinal bore, andpassageways between the longitudinal bore and the ports; inserting aplunger body through an end opening in the bobbin/valve body into thelongitudinal bore; inserting a pole piece through the end opening in thebobbin/valve body into the longitudinal bore; press-fit coupling thepole piece to the bobbin/valve body such that a fluid-tight seal isprovided between the pole piece and the bobbin/valve body withoutadditional mechanical coupling elements;
 23. A method as set forth inclaim 22, wherein said forming step comprises forming the centralsection of the bobbin/valve body as an elongated section.
 24. A methodas in claim 22, wherein the pole piece includes an inclined annular tab,and mating the tab with interior walls defining the longitudinal bore ofthe bobbin/valve body in press-fit fashion.
 25. A method as in claim 22,wherein the pole piece includes a pair of annular flanges, defining alongitudinal surface section therebetween, and each of which includes aninclined annular tab, and mating the tabs with interior walls definingthe longitudinal bore of the bobbin/valve body in press-fit fashion. 26.A method as in claim 22, and further including a flux conductormagnetically coupling the bobbin/valve body to the pole piece, the fluxconductor having a top portion and a pair of end portions, formedunitary with said top portion, and coupling one of said end portions ofthe flux conductor to the bobbin/valve body, and swage coupling theother of said end portions to a distal end of the pole piece.
 27. Amethod as in claim 26, further including also swage coupling the one endportion of the flux conductor to said bobbin/valve body.
 28. A method asin claim 22, further including forming ribs longitudinally along asection of the longitudinal bore, the ribs extending radially inwardinto the bore and defining flow channels between the bobbin/valve bodyand the plunger body.
 29. A method as in claim 22, wherein the plungeradditionally comprises a spring which biases the plunger body way fromthe pole piece and against a valve seat, and press-fit retaining aspring retainer in the bobbin/valve body to hold the spring in a desiredbiasing position.
 30. A method as in claim 22, wherein terminal pins areelectrically coupled to the solenoid coil and supported by thebobbin/valve body, each of the terminal pins including an external postsection, a stepped section supported by the bobbin/valve body, and acontact section, and further including bending the contact section intoengagement with the bobbin/valve body to retain the terminal pins withinthe bobbin/valve body.